Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Improving Prescription Capture Rates Through A Standardized Meds To Beds Program At Parkview Heart Institute, Haley Michaud Pharmd, Tara Jellison, Katelyn Wees Pharmd, Sarah Ferrell Pharmd, Shery Grosjean Pharmd, Inderjit Ajimal

Pharmacy Residency

Background

Objectives

November 2025, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

• FDA's actions to protect children from contaminated cough medicine

• Measles cases and outbreaks (CDC)

• CDC immunization schedule adopts individual-based decision-making for COVID-19 and standalone vaccination for chickenpox in toddlers

• Hypertension pharmacy toolkit--FIP non-communicable diseases

Local Injection Of Particles For Retinoic Acid Drug Delivery Improves Muscle Structure And Modulates Inflammation In Mice Recovering From Cast Immobilization, Candice V. Cheung, Regina A. Searcy, Kidochukwu J. Atube, Nicholas A. Colonna, Kelsey E. Krusen, Kate J. Cappage, Khufu M. Holly, R. Paul Ward Pratz, Jessie H. Fournier, Vitali Sikirzhytski Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Disuse muscle atrophy secondary to acute illness or injury prolongs recovery and increases risk of permanent disability as a result of reduced muscle strength and myofiber damage upon reambulation. However, there are no pharmacotherapies to support muscle growth and repair following prolonged immobility. We propose that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) may support recovery of atrophied muscle via modulation of satellite cells and macrophages. Clinical application of ATRA is hindered by solubility, stability, and the need for high systemic doses. Therefore, in the current study, we developed poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) particles for local injection and extended release of ATRA (ATRA-PLG) and investigated …

Real-World Impact Of Amiodarone On Apixaban Population Pharmacokinetics In Hospitalized Patients, Samantha Kolowrat, Chazmyn Riley, Kevin Lam, Lynda Thomson, Douglas F. Stickle, Walter K. Kraft

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Despite common coadministration in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), there is minimal evidence regarding the impact of concomitant amiodarone use on apixaban pharmacokinetics (PK). We described the population PK of apixaban (2.5 and 5mg twice daily) in 106 hospitalized patients with and without concomitant amiodarone administration at steady state. Apixaban PK was reasonably described by a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and linear elimination. Aside from the receipt of amiodarone, age was retained as a statistically significant covariate on apparent clearance. Model-based simulations depicted concomitant amiodarone use increasing AUCT for both 2.5mg (1.58, 90% CI [1.28, 1.87]) and 5mg (1.12, 90% …

The Role Of Psilocybin In End-Of-Life Care: Evidence, Mechanisms, And Guidelines, Mackenzie E. Unsworth, Mary Lou Galantino, Robert Sandoval

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

This article aims to provide a brief overview of the evidence and mechanisms for psilocybin use in EOL care. Additionally, this article will provide guidelines for clinicians to assess patient use and integrate psilocybin into their clinical practice with respect to its current legal status.

International Conference On Pharmaceutical And Natural Sciences, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Additive Effects Of N-Acetylcysteine And [R4W4] Combination Treatment On Mycobacterium Avium, Kayvan Sasaninia, Iffat Hasnin Era, Nezam Newman, Jesse Melendez, Wajiha Akif, Eashan Sharma, Omid Nikjeh, Ira Glassman, Cristián Jiménez, Navya Sharma, Ama Xu, Maria Lambros, Miou Zhou, Rakesh Tiwari, Vishwanath Venketaraman

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Mycobacterium avium is an opportunistic pathogen and a leading contributor to nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in immunocompromised individuals. However, treatment duration, antibiotic toxicity, and resistance present challenges in the management of mycobacterium infections, prompting the need for novel treatment. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has demonstrated potent antimycobacterial activity, while antimicrobial peptides such as the cyclic [R₄W₄] have shown additive effects when combined with first-line antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism and efficacy of NAC and [R₄W₄] combination therapy against M. avium. A membrane depolarization assay was used to evaluate the effects of …

Evaluation Of Hypolipidemic And Hypoglycemic Effects Of Dillenia Indica L. On Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats, Md Mahfuj Alam Siddiq

Student Scholarship

Context: Dillenia indica L. a tropical fruit-bearing plant native to South and Southeast Asia, has attracted scientific interest due to its rich phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic benefits in managing diabetes, lipid disorders, and oxidative stress. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential antidiabetic and lipid-lowering properties of D. indica fruit and bark extracts in a rat model of alloxan-induced type 2 diabetes. Methods: Diabetes was induced in rats using an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (160 mg/kg) after a 12-hour fast. The chloroform fractions of D. indica fruit and bark (200 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally, with …

Pharmacist Quality Of Work-Life During Covid-19 Pandemic In Cagayan De Oro, Junnin Gay Labrigas Garay, Rugine Riel D. Barsobia, Zoe Kyra Evasco, Bonnie Louise Elorde

Pacific Journal of Health

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists have been one of the most accessible healthcare workers working in the frontline providing the medication and drug needs of patients. Their roles and responsibilities in work expanded and to some redefined as the pandemic hit. Adjustments in their work, and workplaces were also implemented in adherence to the pandemic situation. The quality of work life of frontline pharmacists were affected because of the changes brought by the pandemic. A descriptive qualitative study design was used to determine the pharmacist’s quality of work-life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cagayan de Oro City. The place was …

Morphological And Biological Properties Of Platelet Rich Fibrin Membrane Producing From Different Centrifugation Protocols, Vannarut Satitpitakul Md, Sarisa Tangkhunchaisaeng

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes represent a promising tool for corneal epithelial disease treatment, though a standardized protocol remains unestablished. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and biological properties of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) membranes producing from different centrifugation protocols Methods: Four distinct low speed centrifugation protocols (100g/5min, 200g/5min, 100g/10min, and 200g/10min) were established for PRF production from 3 healthy volunteers. We assessed fibrin and membrane dimensions, white blood cell and platelet concentrations, kinetic release of growth factors (TGF-, PDGF-BB, VEGF, IGF-1), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1, TNF-). In vitro degradation and bacterial contamination were also examined. Results: All …

Phytochemisty And Antioxidant Activity Of Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, And N-Hexane Extracts Of Suruhan Leaves (Peperomia Pellucida), Ade Arsianti, Steven Gill, Diyah Kristanty

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Background: Free radicals are natural byproducts of cellular metabolism, in which, their excessive accumulation can lead to oxidative stress, which plays a key role in the development of various chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Antioxidants are compounds capable of scavenging free radicals and minimizing oxidative damage. Peperomia pellucida, commonly known as Suruhan leaves, is a tropical herb traditionally used in folk medicine that contain bioactive compounds correlated with a strong radical-scavenging activity, suggesting its potential as a natural antioxidant source. This study aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis and evaluate the antioxidant activity of ethanol, …

Dual Membrane Receptor Degradation Via Folate Receptor Targeting Chimera, Zhen Wang, Zhixin Li, Jenny Högström, Hiroyuki Inuzuka, Rui Jing, Peiqiang Yan, Tao Hou, Yihang Qi, Daoyuan Huang, Jingchao Wang, Ting Wu, Xiaoying Shi, Bolin Liu, Taru Muranen, Dingpeng Zhang, Wenyi Wei

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Cancer drug resistance poses a significant challenge in oncology, often driven by intricate cross-talk among membrane-bound receptors that compromise mono-targeted therapies. We develop a dual membrane receptor degradation strategy leveraging Folate Receptor α (FRα) to address this issue. Folate Receptor α Targeting Chimeras-dual (FolTAC-dual) are engineered degraders designed to selectively and simultaneously degrade distinct receptor pairs: (1) EGFR/HER2 and (2) PD-L1/VISTA. Through modular optimization of modality configurations and geometries, we identify the “string” format as the most effective construct. Mechanistic studies demonstrate an ~85% increase in EGFR-binding affinity compared to the conventional knob-into-hole design, likely contributing to the improved efficiency …

Assessing Cultural Competence Before And After Online Teaching Modules On Social Determinants Of Health, Charlie Wright Pharmd, Bcps, Barrett Carter Pharmd, Bcps, Ellen Jones Pharmd, Bcacp

Faculty Research ​and Publications

Introduction:

Cultural competence is essential to provide care to diverse populations and is required in pharmacy curriculum (ACPE Standard 2.1). As pharmacists increasingly serve diverse patient populations, understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) becomes critical in clinical decision-making. Given the emphasis on competency-based education, there is a need to evaluate innovative teaching methods ensuring pharmacy students are prepared to deliver culturally-sensitive care.

Research Question or Hypothesis:

What is the effectiveness of interactive online modules focused on SDOH in improving knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of first-year pharmacy students?

Study Design:

A quantitative pre/post-survey design was used to assess changes in cultural …

Adipose Tissue Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Overexpression Ameliorates High-Fat Diet–Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation, Marion C. Hope, Christian A. Unger, M. Chase Kettering, Cassidy E. Socia, Ahmed K. Aladhami, Barton C. Rice, Darya S. Niamira, Ben P. Wiznitzer, Diego Altomare Ph.D., William E. Cotham, Reilly T. Enos

Faculty Publications

Context

We created an innovative mouse model that enables inducible overexpression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), specifically in adipose tissue (Adipo-ERα↑). Objective

We aimed to investigate how elevated Adipo-ERα↑ influences the development of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in both male and female mice. Methods

Male and female Adipo-ERα↑ mice and littermate controls were fed a low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD for 13 weeks. Adipo-ERα↑ was induced at the initiation of dietary treatment. Body morphology and composition, hepatic lipid accumulation, glucose tolerance, fasting insulin concentrations, and adipose tissue mRNA profiling were assessed. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine circulating and adipose …

Pacific Rxtracts - October 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles:

• The Resurgence of Cardiac Glycosides in Heart Failure
• Wayrilz: New Breakthrough for Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia
• Atrasentan: An Emerging Therapy in IgA Nephropathy
• The Second FDA-Approved MASH Treatment
• New Pharmacist-Driven Calcitonin Protocol Delivers Cost Savings in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy Care
• Baxdrostat Offers Hope for Patients with Resistant Hypertension
• Challenging the Norm: Anticoagulant Discontinuation is Safe Postablation
• Olezarsen: Redefining Triglyceride Control Through APOC3 Inhibition
• Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Linked to Increased Risk of Vision Disorders
• At Last, a Step Forward in Gastric and GEJ
• Tarlatamab: A Breakthrough in Relapsed Small Cell Lung
• Expanded FDA Approval for Darolutamide
• Linvoseltamab: Redefining Multiple …

Sharksrx Newsletter Fall 2025, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.

Emergency Medicine Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority For Resolution Of Outpatient Prescription Issues, Kevin Burnham, Christina Tran, Leandra Garcia, Julian Mccreary, Christo Philip, Osama A. Shoair

Pharmacy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objectives: To describe the implementation and impact of a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) for emergency medicine pharmacists (EMPs) that grants them broad prescriptive authority to resolve outpatient discharge prescription issues independently. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all prescriptions written by EMPs under a CPA to resolve discharge prescription issues at a 70-bed emergency department (ED) within a large health system in South Dallas, Texas. This review covered the period from November 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. EMPs were authorized to independently address prescription problems without a provider’s direct involvement. We collected data on patient demographics, the …

Cannabis Improves Metabolic Dysfunction And Macrophage Signatures In Obese Mice, Brandon N. Vanderveen, Thomas D. Cardaci, Christian A. Unger, Mitchell M. Nesmith, Jeffrey C. Freeman, Arianna V. Bastian, Kasie Roark, Mansi Upadhyay, Andrew G. Levy, Brooke M. Bullard, Sierra J. Mcdonald, Kandy T. Velázquez, Reilly T. Enos, Jason L. Kubinak, Lorne J. Hofseth Ph.D., James Hébert Scd, Daping Fan, E. Angela Murphy

Faculty Publications

Obesity rates continue to rise, highlighting the need for new treatments that are effective, safe, and widely accessible. Aligned with the easing of restrictions on cannabis use, interest in its therapeutic potential is evolving. As such, we examined the effects of the cannabis plant with high cannabidiol (CBD) content or high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content on metabolic and immune dysregulation in obese mice. Briefly, female C57BL/6 mice were randomized into four groups (n = 15/group): 1) lean, 2) obese placebo, 3) obese CBD, and 4) obese THC. Lean mice consumed a low-fat diet for the study …

Adipose Tissue Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Overexpression Ameliorates High-Fat Diet–Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation, Marion C. Hope, Christian A. Unger, M Chase Kettering, Cassidy E. Socia, Ahmed K. Aladhami, Barton C. Rice, Darya S. Niamira, Ben P. Wiznitzer, Diego Altomare Ph.D., William E. Cotham, Reilly T. Enos

Faculty Publications

Context

We created an innovative mouse model that enables inducible overexpression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), specifically in adipose tissue (Adipo-ERα↑). Objective

We aimed to investigate how elevated Adipo-ERα↑ influences the development of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in both male and female mice. Methods

Male and female Adipo-ERα↑ mice and littermate controls were fed a low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD for 13 weeks. Adipo-ERα↑ was induced at the initiation of dietary treatment. Body morphology and composition, hepatic lipid accumulation, glucose tolerance, fasting insulin concentrations, and adipose tissue mRNA profiling were assessed. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine circulating and adipose …

October 2025, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

• SWOSU Doctor in Community Health (DCH)

• Hospitals with highest price markups for elective surgeries have worse outcomes, researchers find

• HHS Final Rule Expands Real-Time Prescription Access, Eases Prior Authorization Burdens

• Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Update of the PTSD Repository Evidence Base

• Retail pharmacy is adapting to meet local needs

• IZ Express Sept 24, 2025

Predictive Gene Expression Signatures For Alzheimer's Disease Using Post-Mortem Brain Tissue, Ashley Duche, Oliver Tan, Andrius Baskys, Rachita K. Sumbria, Moom R. Roosan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau protein aggregates in the brain. These pathological features manifest in specific regions, but mechanisms rendering some areas more susceptible to early AD-related changes remain poorly understood. To address this, we developed predictive gene expression signatures to explore molecular mechanisms underlying regional vulnerability to AD pathology.

Methods: Post-mortem brain tissues from participants of the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP), Mayo Clinic, and Mount Sinai Brain Bank (MSBB) were used to derive gene expression signatures from six brain regions affected at varying …

Development Of A Strategy To Neutralize Ccl8 Activity And Ablate Ccl8 Cellular Targets, Bernardo Chavez

Theses and Dissertations

The chemokine CCL8 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-2) is a versatile signaling molecule involved in tumor progression, immune cell recruitment, and therapeutic resistance. Through activation of receptors including CCR1, CCR2B, and CCR5, CCL8 promotes leukocyte trafficking, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. In breast cancer and inflammatory diseases, elevated CCL8 levels correlate with poor clinical outcomes, making it a promising therapeutic target.

A strategy was developed to block CCL8 activity and selectively ablate CCL8 receptor expressing cells. A neutralizing monoclonal antibody, 1G3E5, was identified from a panel of murine candidates based on high affinity CCL8 binding. Sequencing revealed two …

Ready For Takeoff? Exploring United States Health Care Providers’ Pretravel Consultation Priorities, Gaps, Barriers, And Opportunities, Katherine A. Reifler, Swati S. Sharma, Nicholas A. Bergren, Elizabeth D. Barnett, Lin H. Chen, Jeffery A. Goad, William B. Macleod, Laura Kogelman, Davidson H. Hamer

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Pretravel consultation by healthcare providers (HCPs) with travel medicine expertise can mitigate travel-related health risks. This analysis aimed to understand US-based HCPs' pretravel consultation educational gaps, priorities, barriers, and opportunities. An electronic survey was conducted May–June 2024, using a convenience sample of HCPs identified through the Med Learning Group and travel specialists from the International Society of Travel Medicine and American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. In total, 205 HCPs completed the survey, including physicians (50 %), nurse practitioners (19 %), nurses (12 %), pharmacists (11 %), physician associates (7 %). Most (66 %) provided pretravel consultations and only …

Swollen Lymph Node Metastasis In Gastric Cancer: A Forgotten Prognostic Signal In Need Of Clinical Action, Keykavous Parang, Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality. While the extent of nodal involvement is a well-known prognostic factor, the specific entity of swollen lymph node metastasis (SLNM), bulky nodal tumor deposits detectable radiologically or pathologically, has received little attention in staging. Recent data from a study by Cui et al demonstrated that SLNM is an independent predictor of very poor survival in GC. Through robust data and rigorous propensity-matched analyses, SLNM emerged not merely as an anatomical finding but as an independent predictor of poor prognosis, even among patients undergoing curative resection. As precision oncology advances, the …

Inflammation And Detection: Rethinking The Biomarker Landscape In Gastric Cancer, Keykavous Parang, Koosha Paydary

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Gastric carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, yet reliable noninvasive biomarkers for its early detection remain limited. As research continues to elucidate the inflammatory underpinnings of tumor initiation and progression, it has become increasingly clear that pro-inflammatory cytokines may hold promise as diagnostic adjuncts. Serum cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and interferon-gamma have been frequently reported as elevated in gastric cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. These molecules, known for their roles in modulating tumor-promoting inflammation, angiogenesis, and immune evasion, may serve as accessible indicators of disease presence or progression. Several studies have shown that …

Enflonsia (Clesrovimab-Cfor): A New Era In Rsv Protection For Infants, Katherine Ghattas Pharmd, Rileigh Smith Pharmd, Amanda Rawa Pharmd

Transformative Medicine

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of serious lung infections in infants and young children, especially during the winter months. For decades, preventative options were limited, costly, or only available to babies at high-risk. The FDA approved Enflonsia (clesrovimab-cfor) in June 2025, given as a single injection to protect infants thorough their first RSV season. Since it is designed for broader infant use and can be distributed through programs such as Vaccines for Children, Enflonsia may help close long-standing gaps in RSV prevention.

Confronting The Mental Health Crisis: Structural Inequities, Market Pressures, And The Role Of Pharmacy Solutions, Kasi Gorli, Thomas L. Pile, Craig Kimble, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

The mental health crisis in the US is severe, with depression and anxiety leading causes of disability among young adults. The mental health services market is growing, but access to care remains inconsistent, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Pharmacists are playing a crucial role in mental health care, improving medication adherence and patient outcomes through collaborative practice agreements. Systemic reform is needed to address barriers such as affordability and social determinants, with pharmacists integral to closing care gaps.

Implementing A Specific And Standardized Grading Scale For Therapeutic Injection Site Reactions To Improve Adverse Event Reporting, Priya Kale, Kavita Sarin

Research Colloquium

Up to 15.5% of patients taking biologic medication experience injection site reactions (ISRs) leading to morbidity, early discontinuation, and reduced treatment compliance. As biologic medications are increasingly used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, there needs to be an improved understanding of ISRs. However, current methods of grading ISRs are nonspecific and unstandardized leading to a lack of understanding of medication-specific ISRs and ambiguity in perceptions of treatment tolerability. Here we aim to develop a standardized ISR grading scale for use in clinical trials. A scoping review was performed to evaluate current ISR grading scales and …

Antiplatelet Effects Of Angelica Dahurica Root Extract Without Gastric Lesion Formation In Rats, Pitiphat Srisom, Kasem Rattanapinyopituk, Uthai Sotanaphun, Rataya Luechapudiporn

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Platelet aggregation plays a crucial role in hemostasis; however, excessive platelet activation can lead to thrombus formation, contributing to cardiovascular diseases. While aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) is commonly used as an antiplatelet agent, its longterm use is associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Angelica dahurica (AD), a traditional herbal remedy, has shown in vitro antiplatelet activity and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibition. However, its in vivo effects on platelet aggregation and gastric safety remain unclear.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether Angelica dahurica root extract (ADE) could inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent aspirin-induced gastric lesions.

Materials and Methods: AD was extracted …

Quality By Design Approach To Method Development And Validation For Quantitative Estimation Of Dapagliflozin And Linagliptin In Pharmaceutical Tablet Dosage Forms, Prechha Shrestha, Ashwinee Kumar Shrestha, Rajan Shrestha, Barsha Thapa

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Objectives: The present study utilizes a quality by design approach to develop a simple, robust, and stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying dapagliflozin (DAPA) and linagliptin (LINA) in a fixed-dose combination and validate it according to the ICH-Q2 (R1) guidelines.

Materials and Methods: The effect of critical method parameters (CMPs), namely percentage of acetonitrile (ACN), pH of the buffer, and flow rate, on critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as retention time, area, tailing factor, and theoretical plates was studied using Box–Behnken design (BBD). Response optimizer was utilized to optimize the experimental conditions. The mobile phase (MP) consisted of ACN …